Eddie Jackson has built his career as a two-time Pro Bowl free safety. But he remains a free agent ahead of the 2024 season.
Which franchises present the best potential landing spots for the former Chicago Bears defender? We take a closer look.
Eddie Jackson Free Agency Landing Spots 2024
Jackson has tallied 459 total tackles, 355 solo stops, 14 tackles for a loss, 44 pass breakups, 15 interceptions, and 10 forced fumbles in his seven-season career. At 30, he can still provide leadership value and a tackling presence. Here are some of his best fits.
Seattle Seahawks
Jamal Adams helped create an opening here after being released.
New head coach Mike Macdonald could take a liking to Jackson’s background as a sure tackler and ballhawk (Jackson has produced four- and six-interception seasons). He could also take an interest in Jackson’s ability to play both free and strong safety — as he manned the latter position during his four-interception season in 2022.
On Jackson’s end, he may fall in love with how Macdonald used safety Kyle Hamilton while with the Baltimore Ravens. Jackson looks like he can fill a need here.
New York Jets
Top to bottom, the Jets’ defense looks set except for safety.
Ashtyn Davis hasn’t established himself as a consistent starter and is yet to surpass three picks in a season. Meanwhile, Jordan Whitehead is off to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Chuck Clark was re-signed, but he’s another who hasn’t surpassed three interceptions.
Jackson could appeal in the name of veteran help for his struggling unit.
Denver Broncos
Justin Simmons leaving via free agency creates this opportunity for Jackson.
With Simmons gone, the Broncos would need someone on the backend who can aim to match his past tackling and turnover production.
Plus, losing Simmons leaves a void in the veteran leadership department. Jackson has the potential to fill that role.
Miami Dolphins
Miami comes off as the perfect storm for a veteran safety like Jackson.
For starters, Jalen Ramsey is already in place. Then at one of the other safety spots is past Pro Bowler Jordan Poyer.
Perhaps Jackson can come in and solidify the other safety spot. And with two interception creators in Poyer and Ramsey in place, South Beach comes off as an ideal place where Jackson can recapture his ball-hawking form.
Philadelphia Eagles
Finally, we get into the ideal place where a reunion could re-spark a free agent’s career.
KEEP READING: 2024 NFL Top 100 Free Agent Rankings
In the case of the Eagles, Jackson earned his first Pro Bowl in 2018 with Vic Fangio as his defensive coordinator on the Bears. Fangio is now in place as the Eagles’ defensive coordinator.
Turns out the Eagles have a questionable secondary, including in the safety room. If it’s the veteran route Philly goes in, consider Jackson as a possibility given his familiarity with Fangio.
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